Job Summary
#CA-PS
The R&D Engineer will conduct research, development, and evaluation spanning fiber-optic sensing for traffic monitoring and incident/hazard detection (including accidents, fire, and earthquake detection); design, implementation, and validation of CV algorithms to detect unsafe driver behavior near work zones; assessment of automation technologies for pothole patching, including benchmarking, analysis of pros/cons, operational constraints, safety, costs, and maturity/readiness for adoption by DOTs; and development of theoretical foundations and methodologies for communication techniques in sensor development and multi-point tactile force measurement (high-resolution sensing). The position is in person with regular on-site lab presence for experimental work; the primary work location is the Academic Surge Building on the UC Davis campus. Duties include planning and executing lab/field experiments; developing data-processing pipelines; designing models, simulations, and prototypes; leading dataset collection/annotation; training and evaluating models; performing calibration and characterization; maintaining version-controlled code, well-organized datasets, and reproducible workflows; and ensuring research integrity, safety, and compliance. The Scholar will collaborate with the PI, staff, students, and external partners; mentor students as needed; prepare deliverables including technical memos, presentations, datasets, and peer-reviewed publications; contribute to proposals upon request; comply with UC Davis policies and all applicable safety, data, and ethics requirements; and perform other related duties as assigned by the PI to advance project goals.
The Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center is the largest Center within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). This position is 100% funded by extramural support received by the AHMCT Research Center and is subject to the continued availability of such extramural support. Apply By Date 3/3/2026 at 11:59pm Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline or equivalent education and experience.
- no Minimum Work Experience required.
- Proficiency in managing the design, development, test, and evaluation of automated prototype and emerging equipment for highway maintenance and construction under general supervision.
- Proficiency in the application of professional engineering principles and tools for the purposes of mechanical design including computer analysis, design, drafting, and solid modeling software.
- High level of originality and creativity; proficiency in developing research ideas and proposals under general supervision.
- Excellent communication skills to interact on a daily basis with students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors, and funding agency representatives.
- Proficiency and experience in technical report writing skills to write reports concerning the design, fabrication, assembly, testing, use, and evaluation of experimental and emerging equipment.
- Proficiency in preparing meaningful data for presentation and explaining technical concepts and information.
- Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and other desktop programs for reporting purposes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preferred M.S. or postgraduate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related discipline or equivalent education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in exercising highlevel, independent judgment for the resolution of problems related to design, fabrication, assembly, testing, use, and evaluation of prototype and emerging equipment and machinery under general direction.
- Demonstrated experience in the development of optical fiber systems, automated systems, communication systems
- Demonstrated experience in providing IT support and an understanding of computer networking
Key Responsibilities
- 80% - Research Development and Implementation
- 10% - Research Project Management
- 10% - Research Project Initiation and Reporting
Department Overview The Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center is the largest Center within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). This position is 100% funded by extramural support received by the AHMCT Research Center and is subject to the continued availability of such extramural support. POSITION INFORMATION
Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Work Environment UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Must be available on-call anytime (day or night), some weekend work, overtime, to meet project deadlines. Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
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University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
Feb 18, 2026